Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Pasadena is 65% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,201/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 85%
$64,270/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 61%
$193,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 440%
$1,141/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 105%
149,345
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,017/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $12,204/year.

Median household income is $39,508/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Pasadena or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Pasadena?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,017/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Pasadena?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $39,508/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Pasadena details →

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